In The Spotlight

Raelle – “Close To You”

Growing up in South-East London in a musical family, this British singer, songwriter and pianist was surrounded by classic Motown soul. Although having trained as a classical singer, she’s captivated by the intrinsic expression and emotiveness of jazz and soul. Touched by the music of Roy Ayers, Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse, she has conceived a sound rich with poetic lyricism and emotional melodies.

Finding the perfect balance between lush jazz and steamy soul, her debut single is a honey-sweet sliver of sonic heaven. The smooth keys, soft percussion and succulent sax solo are mere ingredients in her love potion, but it’s her enchanting, velveteen vocals that make this aural elixir irresistible. Lyrically exploring the renewing power of love, you want to keep this silken ballad close to you.

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In The Spotlight

Early Eyes – “Marigolds”

This quintet from Minneapolis was founded in 2016 on a college campus. Consisting of Jake Berglove, Joe Villano, John O’Brien, Des Lawrence and Wyatt Fuller, they first started making music together as a hobby, but took their infectious soul-pop sound across the city, leading to local venue First Avenue to name them best new band of 2017. In that same year they released their debut EP “Minutes”.

Starting smooth and easygoing with an acoustic piano and Jake’s crisp voice, their new single soon develops into an infectious, upbeat groove. Blending a vintage vibe with a touch of jazz makes the bouncy beat, plucky bass and sunshiny keys paint a delightful, aural Summers day, while the soulful vocals sound silky and refreshing. And with sleek horns, this is a sanguine spark in an uncertain world.

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In The Spotlight

Holly Humberstone – “Falling Asleep At The Wheel”

Hailing from Grantham, this young British songbird grew up listening to the warmth of acoustic music. Inspired by the likes of Damien Rice, Lorde and HAIM, she adds a darker, electronic twist. Already picked up by BBC Introducing and having played Glastonbury in 2019, she was building a fan base before she debuted with “Deep End” early 2020, which led to a tour with Lewis Capaldi.

Although the foundation of her new single is emotive indie-pop, it reveals to be so much more. Bubbling like a musical fountain, the vitalizing beat, mellow piano and electro touches fuse together into a rousing soundscape in which the melody is both smooth and emotional, as invigorating and upbeat. And with an added shimmer and vocal warmth, this is a magical slice of her musical future.

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In The Spotlight

Cayley Thomas – “Two Minds”

Hailing from Edmonton, this ardent Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist has a natural ability for creating infectious melodies that highlight her impressive vocal range. Finding a balance between folk, pop and rock, she debuted with her EP “Ash Mountains” in 2013, which she wrote after suddenly losing her brother Alex. Honing her sound, she’s played festivals, both in Canada as in Iceland.

Dipping contemporary indie pop in a 60s-touched folk pool, her new single is a salubrious earworm. Taken from her upcoming album “How Else Can I Tell You?”, expected on May 1st, she manages to marry the intricate, vintage melody with her refreshing, crisp vocals. With cleverly layered guitars and a touch of brass creating a dreamy world, this tune radiates sixties sunshine with every note.

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In The Spotlight

Don Bryant – “Your Love Is To Blame”

With an awe-inspiring career spanning six decades, this prolific singer and songwriter was present at the birth of Memphis soul. Initially the front man of The Four Kings, in the early 60s he became a staff songwriter at Hi Records, writing 154 titles. In the 70s he wrote several songs for his wife Ann Peebles, like the 1973 hit “I Can’t Stand The Rain”. In the 80s and 90s he returned to his gospel roots.

Taken from his upcoming album “You Make Me Feel”, expected on May 8th and sounding like it’s a Stax, Motown or Hi Records revival, his new single harkens back to the glory days of Memphis soul. With bustling percussion, spirited horns and rousing wah-wah guitars marking the buoyant classic melody, it’s his mighty, soul-infused vocal artistry that makes this vintage groove sound full of life.

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In The Spotlight

Maple St. – “Love Me Less”

Based in L.A., Alyssa Wilkens and Jillian Allen are a real life couple who found each other in music and in love. They met at 16 and started creating music together. After many years of experimentation and letting their sound mature, they’re ready to take on the world. Inspired by bands like Bleachers and A R I Z O N A, they debuted their nostalgic and quirky sound on “Holes In My Shoes” in 2019.

Taking a delicious trip back to the glorious 80s, the new single by this neon duo is a vibrant, electronic groove, splashed in colorful pastels. With an infectious bass, sparkling synths and a catchy hook worming its way into your ears, it’s an open invitation to dance. And with the refreshing, retro-dipped vocals shining a light on the reality of relationships, you can only love this tune more.

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